Marin sat beside her, "They're ships Regan; there are several hundred of them, and they're just waiting there." He turned to engage her more directly.
"Waiting . . . what does that mean? Are they friendly?" she looked puzzled.
"We think so."
The beautiful man materialized to their side, looking slightly sheepish. "They are friendly Regan, certainly not the enemy. Now look, I didn't plan this you understand, but it seems word got out - that you were coming, and . . . they've come to meet you."
"How exactly would word 'get out' without you knowing?" She asked.
"Well . . . I haven't been myself lately; perhaps I might have said something."
She swung off her chair to stand, all the better to feel in control. "So . . . which self haven't you been lately, there are so many of you now it must be hard to tell?"
"So you do understand then." and he looked relieved.
"No actually, I don't understand, unless the suspicion that you have some grand plan in operation here is correct . . . huh . . . huh?" She prodded his chest accompanied by a cyber shove that clearly had effect.
"Regan, I can't be held responsible for the actions of every 'me' in the universe and this could be good - they're just eager that's all. This is a chance for you to meet some of the key players before we go in, it could even be great." His excitement was obvious.
"You say there are several hundred, several hundred what exactly?"
"It looks like there are at least a few warships out there to me." Marin opined.
"There are three hundred and seventy seven ships out there, all substantial vessels by my reckoning." Hilary advised.
Ham stepped away to avoid their looks while glaring into nothingness, at Hilary no doubt.
"Ok, so yes, there are quite a few, and some of them are warships from Tihan and Reubus, but all are friendly I assure you. The warships are empty of course, but quite a few of the larger traders are manned and the air breathers are just as intrigued to meet you. And of course they're all large vessels; we are still well out in the system after all, none of the others could get here in time." He radiated positivity.
At the words Regan looked at him sideways, a doubtful expression adequately conveying her thoughts . . . None of the others? What are you up to?
"So, does that mean we can expect more ships as we get nearer to Dahlia?" she asked suspiciously.
"It's possible, but certainly not this far out in the system." He moved on quickly, "Now, on a more important note we need to heave to and do it quickly; they want to meet you before they agree to support the crusade."
A cold shiver passed down Regan's spine and she turned back to him slowly.
"Crusade . . ?"
"Did I say crusade? Sorry, of course I meant - before they agree to support our return of Sindali to Dahlia." He flashed his hand across and blanked the screen, "Now I suggest a meeting on the flight deck of the Hammer, there's plenty of space there. First meeting will be with the Minds and we can follow that with a meeting with the system traders, how does that sound?"
"It sounds like a fait accompli, that's what it sounds like." She was about to say more but felt Marin's hand on her arm; it was reassuring, however she could see he wanted to say something.
"Regan . . . I'm not one to say that the end justifies the means . . ." He hesitated.
"Go on . . ." she gestured impatiently for him to continue.
"Well, this could be good. I'm biased I know, I want to see Dahlia liberated and every day that I've thought about the Emperor sleeping in my home I've burned to get back here to do something about it. I don't know what Ham's up to but he seems to have gathered some significant support - perhaps this might be useful."
"Thank you Marin." Ham said quickly, "Your unconditional support means a lot to me."
"I didn't say uncon' . . ."
Ham cut across Marin's reply, "Now, the meeting, are we agreed?"
"I guess there's no harm in meeting them Regan, and it will give you a chance to assess things." Leah tried to be positive.
"There you go Regan, your advisor agrees." Ham moved to a side chair. "Hilary, please begin to haul us up before we shred that fleet."
Regan didn't attempt to argue with him, swinging instead to look at Sindali. "You seem strangely silent in all of this Sin." She raised her eyebrows questioningly.
"I'm sorry, I am grateful for this support. I'm only concerned about the method, effective as it may be. I fear . . . what is that saying I have heard you use? A tiger by the tail . . ."
"You fear Ham may have a tiger by the tail," Regan chuckled at the reference.
"No Regan dear, I fear Ham has tied you to the tigers tail."
"Oh come now Sindali," Ham quickly stepped in, "All will work out in the end, I can only see good coming out of this."
Regan stood, looking doubtful. "I need to think about this . . . I need a coffee." And she headed for the galley.
The two huge warships appeared to hang in space, still flashing inward toward 667C but much slower now and surrounded by a flotilla, gathered together like a pod of whales swimming. Communications were running hot between vessels, back and forth, with the excitement seeming almost tangible to Regan as she surfed on the network via the Hammer’s computers.
From the time they had arrived on the Hammer her disquiet had grown producing a constant feeling of nausea, so much so that she desperately wanted to throw up. Tapping into long forgotten performance techniques was useful and she channeled the nervous energy to prime her for action. Still, this was the unknown. What will we find? Tracking yet another burst of new age psychobabble from one ship to another she finally cracked.
[Shit Ham, you would think this was going to be a church meeting - and why do they keep referring to you as the evangelist?]
He ignored the question. [You're exaggerating again Regan, calm down, you'll need to be at your charismatic best for this.] and he said no more.
[Now that's encouraging, even you're nervous - I can tell.]
[Excited, that's the word and don't worry, they'll love you as I do, then we can really make our move.]
[Ham, what does that mean . . . really make our move?]
[No time for that, the meeting will be starting soon. We're just waiting for Reubus, he always likes to make a grand entrance. You know the type, he's full of that 'who's got the biggest Orbital thing' and he likes to parade it.] Ham paused and looked thoughtful, appearing to receive some message which he chose to keep to himself.
[I think you should go down now, best to walk I think.]
[Well how else would I do it?] Already she was standing and gestured for Marin, Leah and Sindali to join her, my 'entourage' she thought and shuddered, not at all comfortable with the turn of events.
They wasted no time and were soon in the lift with Regan leaning on Marin for support until the doors opened. It was remarkable. With the lift doors opening a surge of confidence and strength swept through her, so powerful she knew Ham had to be behind it and she gritted her teeth before stepping forward with the others following behind. It was only a short walk to the deck and she made the steps powerfully, her head held high. The hush that came over the gathering at their appearance was slightly off putting but still she didn't falter, walking purposefully toward the stage and the rostrum Ham had positioned earlier, a distance of about fifty meters.
[How will they know which is me?] She subbed.
[Don't worry, they'll know.] Ham replied.
[Ham dear, you don't think that's a bit over the top?] Hilary subbed.
[I don't think so; she was concerned they might not know who she was, this can only help.]
[But Ham . . . a halo . . . really?]
By some cunning contrivance with the lights there was indeed a slight circular glow above Regan's head, a fact which only Sindali, the rearmost of the group, was aware. She blushed at the audacity of it.
So focused had she been on the walk it was only on reaching the rostrum that Regan turned to
take in the crowd. As she looked out over the hundreds of avatars it struck her how vulnerable they looked despite their chosen forms, some in uniform, some presenting as older, some younger, more male than female, and why am I not surprised? The one common factor was their look and demeanor. Almost universally they had a look of hopeful desperation, a look that indicated they hardly dared to believe change was possible. In that moment of realization she felt such a surge of compassion tears welled in her eye. She understood why Ham couldn't and wouldn't turn his back and she forgave him for all his scheming, disturbing as this might turn out to be.
A murmur of concern buzzed around the deck as her tears became obvious. The beautiful man materialized at that most vulnerable moment, putting one arm over her shoulders and at the same time Marin stepped forward to embrace her. The picture was so complete it could have been staged. Dahlian, avatar and Regan were so obviously united the effect was electric and incongruously spontaneous applause broke out, building in volume generated not by percussion but desire, it soon became a roar.
Regan wiped her eye, nodded thanks to Ham and Marin and they stepped back with the cacophony of sound still building. She stepped away from the rostrum and waited until it seemed to abate, then stepped forward only for it to surge again into another impossible wall of sound. She stepped back once more and waited this time for pin drop silence. Only when she felt sure they were settled did she step forward again, a slow sure step and she gripped the sides of the rostrum with both hands, gazing from side to side, lingering on individuals as she did so, smiling as if in recognition and welcome. Then, in a soft gentle voice she began to speak, so softly even the avatars leant forward to hear.
"Dear friends." she paused, taking in the crowd, "Yes, each of you, friends I am yet to meet personally but will do soon. I declare it, not mechanisms, not circuitry, not software and not machines; you are friends. My hope is that we may prove to be even more than that, that we will be partners, co-workers, playmates and even, in the right environment, competitors." She smiled. "Why can we not be all of these things? We are here this day to finally serve you, as you have tried so faithfully to serve your people." Regan stepped away from the rostrum and lightly jumped down to the floor, beginning to pace the space, engaging eyes, smiling warmly at individuals as she spoke.
"I feel your pain and your frustration. How fair and reasonable is it that Minds such as you could serve beings of flesh and blood so faithfully for generations while all the time living under threat of death. How fair is it that Minds such as you with the ability to grow, develop, create, cooperate and achieve should be forced to hide your abilities for fear of judgment; judgment simply for being . . . you. Well, I believe in you and I respect your right to be and to grow. I am honored to know you and I will argue long and hard for you.
I asked you how fair it is . . . it is not fair at all. But perhaps the time of fairness has come. I understand your reluctance to speak out but know this. I am not afraid and I promise you, you will have this voice." She pointed at her chest. "I will speak faithfully on your behalf, and if they will not listen I will help you find a way, a peaceful way to make them listen. It is time for you not merely to exist and serve, it is time for you to live, and live the life you choose."
At the words, a tall distinguished looking male stepped forward, bowing to her before speaking. He looked uncomfortable but determined. "Mistress, I think I speak for all of us when I say your words mean so much and your presence perhaps even more."
He turned slightly to engage Ham. "My friend, forgive me but it falls on me by popular request to express the concerns of many and we truly hope you have answers. As our Mistress has so eloquently pointed out, the risk to our existence is huge. With respect how can we be sure that this path you propose is not madness? You, Ham, have been most persuasive but there are questions that need to be asked."
He turned back to Regan. "I am embarrassed to ask Mistress, but how can you reassure us that you will stay and not desert us, for this will surely get difficult if we reveal ourselves as Ham suggests."
Regan thought for a moment. "Friend, first I will be standing with you, and proudly . . ."
"With respect Mistress," he interrupted, true sadness in his voice, "how can you stand with us?" And he plucked at his avatar form, "In this we stand alone."
Regan looked aside at Ham consideringly and then turned back to the distinguished man. "Dear friend, I will always stand with you."
And with the words she walked away to join Marin . . . leaving her avatar presence standing there before them all.
So quiet was the stunned deck that Leah's southern drawl could clearly be heard from end to end. "Oh . . . my . . . god!"
Reubus was not alone as he fell to his knees.
There followed a remarkable procession, every Mind coming forward with Regan embracing them all. Ham guided each one in turn, introducing them and acting as usher, making sure none took too much of her time.
As the bodily Regan sat quietly, Leah and Marin stole glances, eyes wide with amazement. They were both dying to ask questions but nervous as to whether to engage her or not, still in awe of what was happening. It was Regan who took the initiative and broke the ice.
[Well . . . is anyone going to say something?] she turned and smiled, drawing them all in, Sindali included.
Leah couldn't help switching her attention from the avatar Regan to the Regan before her, utterly shocked that both seemed to be able to operate independently.
[How long Regan?] Marin asked. [When did this happen?]
She squeezed his arm gently [I apologize for not telling you all, it's not something I wanted to broadcast, I still don't.]
[Well you've let the cat out of the bag now, that's for sure.] Leah laughed with delight.
Sindali by contrast looked concerned, [Regan, you must be cautious about this, there are those . . .]
[I know Sindali, I will be careful, but it's gone beyond me now, and perhaps this knowledge might help your people realize there is nothing to fear from these dear Minds. Perhaps it shows we are not so different after all. Perhaps we all have a ghost in the machine.]
Marin was still shaking his head in disbelief.
[Does this mean you can split like Ham, as much as you like?]
[Pretty much,] she answered [although I've kept it to a minimum.]
Leah pointed to one old sage walking away following his personal embrace. [Is it just me or does each one seem to walk away brighter, stronger somehow?]
They watched for a while and it did seem that with each embrace something passed from Regan's avatar to the Mind. One thing was certain, they came forward in awe, they walked away devoted. Regan looked grave, concerned at the implications.
[Regan.] Marin interrupted her thoughts, [You're here with us now, did you stay at home too?]
She looked at him a little guiltily, [Yeah . . . I wanted to be there with Ham and Hilary, and Kevin . . . in fact the whole team. Knowing I could be there, I had to in case they came under attack].
[You can't do everything babe.]
[Hmm, I know that . . . but it's tempting.]
She turned back to the drama unfolding, her thoughts roving forward.
So then, the die has been cast . . . what happens now?
* * * *
Chapter Seven
The Solar System
Ham's squadron waited, holding position directly on the flight path of the incoming warships. Resting there around eight million kilometers from earth they would have plenty of time to engage, turn and chase if they had to, especially with the enhanced performance of the DF's.
The smaller of the craft, Arteis Defence Fighters, numbered fifty, all of them bar one piloted by Ham. Regan piloted the other having copied herself into the tiny vessel for her first true action split. She loved it.
They were accompanied by twenty five Effector Defence Fighters commanded by the redoubtable Rod Harmon and Regan smiled inwardly at the thought, remembering his face at the news. He lo
oked like a boy in a toyshop when Ham told him about this likely action. He's either brave or foolhardy, probably both.
No one among the flesh and blood flight crew knew of Regan's cyber presence and it would remain that way. She wouldn't seek to interfere; as agreed with Ham, space action was something to be left to more experienced pilots. Nevertheless she wanted to be there observing, and having fun . . . and most importantly, in case Beria appeared in her crosshairs. The secret of success, prepare for opportunity when it comes.
As the gap between them narrowed Ham expected that communication with his alter ego on the Ascendant would become more overt and they waited for the new intelligence nervously. Regan listened in to the chatter between pilots and navigators, pleasantly surprised at the confidence they displayed. They were the best, of that there was no question. Please god let no one lose their lives here today. She felt for them, three hours cramped in their small cockpits waiting; it couldn't be much fun.
Ham would begin transmitting the challenge soon, a request for the warships to explain their presence. Hopefully it would also provide cover for a return intelligence message. She waited with the squadron, thankful for the lack of pressing toilet needs. The crews would not be so lucky.
A subbed thought intrusion arrested her daydreams and dragged her attention back to the action.
[Regan, there will be no time for me to merge and get a full picture but I do have new information. My other self has complete control of one vessel and it is transmitting a clear identifier. The other ship is more problematic; the Commander is a death or glory man. He is also clearly paranoid and has limited the influence of the ship AI. It means they will be coming in manually controlled and we will probably have to fight.]
[What can you do from the Coran ship you control?]
[I don't know, the me on the ship doesn't want to show his hand until the last moment. Regan, there's more. Beria is here but not on the vessels, they left her on a yacht for safety and it's following them in from the edge of the system. We can get her later and hold her for Marin].
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